“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest” – Benjamin Franklin
Pandemic has alarmingly invaded our lifestyle. Growth is a non-negotiable aspect of lifestyle irrespective of the situation. So, while you are lovingly teaching students here we have brought a handful of ideas that teachers can use for professional development during the pandemic.
The limitation of in-personal conversational and conferences during the pandemic might also affect your certificates. However, the pandemic gave ample time to execute creativity and work on professional development.
It is high time to prioritize Professional development. Why? Because the education system is revolutionizing using technology and tools. Moreover, the ability to adapt is going to be the highest in-demand skill irrespective of the profession. So, let’s adapt to the different choices we have to make due to the pandemic.
What is professional development for teachers?
Professional development refers to any activities that are directed towards the development of skills for a teacher. The skill could help in making the right choices in the career, improving teaching methodology, adapting to new ways of teaching, leadership skills, class management, etc. Education is an ever-evolving ever-changing process. Professional development helps to commit teachers to the ongoing ever learning process.
Let’s see the brighter side:
International exposure
We all have become the dweller of the globe called Internet village. This means you can teach students from any corner of the world as well as get training from wherever you please.
Better networking
Social media is existing for a long time, however, the pandemic has compelled people to use it more. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups can be used to connect to some of the greatest minds and exchange ideas. Sharing experiences is one of the best ways for professional development.
Advanced PD ways
Ample digital courses have been created in the past years to provide required training to teachers. You can get certifications and have an upper edge.
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The objective of professional development for teachers:
Active learning
Active learning does not include only learning new skills but also taking care of mental and physical health. Teachers in their best mental and physical state are able to provide the best value to students. Encountering day-to-day classroom challenges is a part of active learning.
Equip with the resources
Professional development for teachers aims to equip them with the required tools and resources necessary to improve their teaching. If you struggle with technical aspects of teaching, resources will make the process convenient for you.
International opportunities
Professional development aims to help teachers look for international opportunities. Teachers work on the educational and professional objectives needed to seize the opportunities.
Improve knowledge
Professional development aims to enhance teachers teaching skills as well as introduce them to new updates in their curriculum. It could be theoretical knowledge, technical knowledge, etc.
Opportunities for teacher Professional development during a pandemic:
Attending professional development courses and webinars
Courses are one of the best ways to seek professional development for teachers. These courses are curated for aspiring teachers as well as teachers in service.
There are lots of paid and free courses on sites like Skillshare, FutureLearn, Coursera to help you in your overall growth. You can learn from paid courses that are valued internationally and get the certificate. Attending webinars on professional development helps to boost skills.
Presenting a webinar
Presenting a webinar is a significant way for the professional development of teachers. This helps teachers to build the skill of engaging larger audiences and interactivity. You can request a certificate for presenting a webinar that highlights your work.
Documenting online teaching experience
Documenting daily helps to improve each day. It is an easy way to notice small things that could be improved professionally. You can even document your learning and publish ebooks or books. While writing, editing, and publishing is extensive process, however, you will enjoy the process. Kindle digital publisher and ePub are some resources you can rely on.
Creating a social media page
Social media platforms are a great medium for creative outlets. Teachers use platforms like Youtube, Instagram to share their knowledge in a video format.
Learning operation of new tools and earning certification
We are bombarded with the tools that promise to help in teaching. For instance, tools like Zoom, Google meet, zoom, Microsoft teams help to conduct classes, google classroom is for sharing notes, and so on. The process has changed, the dependency on digital medium is supposed to be easier only if you know how to run these tools. There are tools like BetterLesson, Bloomboard, etc. that help in effective teaching.
Workshops
Workshops help teachers to get acquainted with the new skills introduced in education. Attending online workshops in the pandemic is a great way to learn required practical skills and implement them.
Wrapping up
We have discussed ample ways of professional development for teachers during the pandemic. Professional development goal varies from teacher to teacher, seize the opportunity that is the best for you.
